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Good afternoon! I hope that your week is going well so far. We are having a heat wave so the air is back on and the shorts are out. Are you experiencing the same crazy weather?
In the meantime I am am curious, do you know what hygge is? I have been seeing a lot of books about this subject lately and I was wondering if I was the only one who did not know what it was?
For those of you who are like me and did not know the meaning of hygge, pronounced hoo-gah, it is basically the Danish concept of nesting. The word roughly translates to cosiness and conviviality, but it encompasses your entire attitude about life. Some say it is hygge that makes the people of Denmark the happiest on earth.
Although hygge is a concept practiced at any time it really comes it to its own during the harsh winter months. Keep in mind that the winters are long and cold in Denmark, it is dark for 17 hours so making yourself cozy, and happy is one of the best ways to get through it. Candles, dinners with friends and family, slowing down and enjoying life, sharing and appreciating the big and small things in life with those we love, savoring a cup of coffee alone or with others, a good book by the fire wrapped in a warm blanket, snuggling your pups, all of this is hygge.
How to Create Hygge in Your Own Home
If you would like to create a little hygge in your home this winter here are a few things you can do.
Candles
Invest in some candles, they say that Denmark it the second largest consumer of candles, Austria is first.
Slow Down
Slow down and relax, read, and savor your surroundings.
Get Cosy
Get a comfy throw to snuggle in.
Gather with Friends
Invite friends and family for simple meals, maybe even a pot luck or make a pot of chili, this is my favorite recipe. Remember, it is not about a big production but about being together.
Swedish pastry
Bake
You can also practice hygge by baking something scrumptious and sharing with friends. I have so many great recipes on the blog to share with friends, Baked Brownies and Swedish pastry are two favorites.
Enjoy Nature
Bundle up and get out and appreciate the beauty of nature, then come home and enjoy a cup of coco or coffee in a favorite mug.
What do you think? Do you like the concept? Do you practice hygge already?
Have a great day!
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did not know what it means but when I do hear it i will look like one of the informed ones thanks to this post lol! I love the concept and try to add a little hygge into my day whenever possible:)
I love the idea of hygge and so I can't wait for the chillier days and nights.
What a beautiful concept.
I had never heard the term before.
Please share this inspirational message tomorrow at our Thoughts of Home party Thursday (tomorrow).
Just stop by my blog White Spray Paint to join in.
http://www.whitespraypaintblog.com
I'd heard the word before but didn't know what it meant.
I'm going to hegge this weekend! Thanks for the translation!
EVERYDAY!
I just read about this earlier this week. It is wonderful because it's about going with the flow–when the weather turns bad, you turn inside and enjoy the coziness.
I too have come across this word recently and I spent a very happy hour reading all about it. It makes perfect sense, it's exactly the lifestyle we live here in France and exactly why we moved to France, to live in this way with the children. So although we didn't know it before, we do have a hygge life!
I recently came across this word too. This is exactly the lifestyle we live here in France, it is exactly why we moved to France with our children, to live this way, unbeknown to us until now we live a totally hygge life!
I had never heard of the word, but the concept is purely perfect, natural, but I think this idea has been thrown out by our fast paced society of PRODUCTIVITY to the point that many of us feel guilty for slowing down. Today for example, I have off as well as tomorrow. There is a sense of guilt as I contemplate what I will do on these days off: NOTHING. Well, my nothing means going out with my camera and just fooling around. But for the long winter months, nesting is of utmost importance. We need to conserve our stores, be wise, cultivate the "soil" for planting time. Oh the wisdom of the ages….
Hello ElizABETH
I love the word, which is new to me, and the concept. A blueprint for life. Thanks for such a beautiful positive post
Helen xx
I LOVE this concept!! The Danes have life figured out!! xoxo
Here in Holland it is known as "gezellig". But as the Danes do it, they have made it into a lifestyle to help make the winter period more pleasant and enjoyable. I have picked up a few tips from hygge, to bring into my dutch world of gezelligheid this coming winter.